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Gambia Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens need a Gambian visa — apply online at https://www.visa.gm; e-Visa available for tourism and business; tourist visa fee from USD 60 and processing around 3–5 working days.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least 2 blank visa pages.\n- Specific forms: Complete the Gambian online e-Visa application at https://www.visa.gm (no DS-160 or UK VAF forms).\n- Financial proof: Bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing funds equivalent to at least USD 1,000, or a documented sponsor letter.\n- Accommodation and return ticket: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter; proof of return/onward travel.\n- Photo spec: Recent color passport photo (35x45 mm or 2x2 inches) with a plain white background; upload a digital photo if applying online.\n- Biometrics: Biometrics may be required as part of the e-Visa process and can be collected at an approved visa application center or embassy if requested.\n- Travel health insurance: Strongly recommended; not always mandatory but advisable for medical emergencies.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Gambia Tourist Visa): Official name: Tourist Visa; Validity: 90 days from issue; Max stay per visit: 90 days; Entry: Single entry; Approximate fee: USD 60.\n- Business visa (Gambia Business Visa): Official name: Business Visa; Validity: 180 days; Max stay per visit: 90 days; Entry: Multiple entries (where permitted by the embassy); Approximate fee: USD 100.\n- Student visa (Gambia Student Visa): Official name: Student Visa; Validity: 1 year; Max stay: 1 year (multiple entries typically allowed); Entry: Multiple entries; Approximate fee: USD 80.\n- Work visa (Gambia Work Permit Entry Visa): Official name: Work Visa; Validity: 1 year; Max stay per visit: 90 days; Entry: Multiple entries; Approximate fee: USD 150.

Application process

  • How to apply online: https://www.visa.gm/\n- Step 1: Create an account on the e-Visa portal.\n- Step 2: Fill the e-Visa application with your personal and passport details.\n- Step 3: Upload required documents (passport bio-data page, photograph, invitation letter or hotel booking as applicable).\n- Step 4: Pay the visa fee online by card (USD or local currency as offered).\n- Step 5: Receive the e-Visa by email or in your portal account and print a copy to present on arrival.\n- Processing time: Typically 3–5 working days; check the portal for current estimates.\n- How approval arrives: The e-Visa document is sent by email or made available in your account; print it and carry it for entry.\n\nVisa on arrival (if offered): Ports include Banjul International Airport; Steps: Present passport, invitation letter/hotel booking, and return/onward ticket; pay visa fee at the counter; receive entry stamp.\n- Fee: Usually USD 60–100; currencies accepted: USD and Gambian Dalasi.\n- Queue tips: Arrive early, have exact change, carry all supporting documents, and be prepared to show proof of funds and onward travel.\n\nSticker visa (through Gambian Embassy/Consulate): How to apply: Submit through the Gambian Mission in your region (for China, check if a Gambian mission is accredited in Beijing/Guangzhou or nearby).\n- Documents: Completed visa application (embassy form), current passport, passport photo, travel itinerary, hotel booking or invitation letter, bank statements, employer letter (for work) or school admission letter (for student).\n- Fee and payment: Pay the visa fee as directed by the mission (method varies; commonly cash in local currency or bank draft; some posts accept card).\n- Timelines: Standard processing around 5–10 working days; express options may be available with higher fees; sometimes an interview is required.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (USD): Tourist 60; Business 100; Student 80; Work 150 (exact amounts shown on the application page at the time of submission).\n- Local currency equivalents: Gambian Dalasi (GMD) amounts shown during payment; use the portal rates for conversions if paying in GMD.\n- VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for online e-Visa; if you submit through a Gambian embassy/consulate, a local service fee may apply per mission (often around USD 15–25).\n- Total cost estimate: Varies by visa type and service route; plan for the base visa fee plus any consular or processing fees.\n- Standard processing time: e-Visa 3–5 working days; embassy/sticker visa 5–10 working days; visa on arrival: not guaranteed and depends on port processing (check with the port of entry).\n- Express/priority option: Some missions offer expedited processing for higher fees; confirm availability with the issuing post.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply well in advance: Start the process at least 2–3 weeks before travel; allow extra time during peak travel seasons or holidays.\n- Common rejection reasons specific to Chinese applicants: Incomplete or inconsistent information, passport validity shorter than required, insufficient funds proof, mismatch between invitation letter and stated purpose, and photos not meeting requirements.\n- VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: The Gambian online e-Visa is administered via visa.gm; if a sticker visa is needed, use the Gambian embassy/consulate route and follow their appointment and document requirements.\n- Travel advisories: Check your government travel advisory for The Gambia and West Africa; ensure yellow fever vaccination if advised and carry proof if required by your health program.\n- Extension options: Visa extensions are possible at the Gambian Department of Immigration in Banjul; extensions typically require application before your current visa expires, a new itinerary, updated funds, and payment of extension fees.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.